OrchidBobs Home

Welcome to OrchidBobs Cattery located in Central Maine, USA, and registered with the following associations: ACFA [American Cat Fanciers Association] , CFF [Cat Fanciers’ Federation] and TICA [The International Cat Association] . The home to Kurilian Bobtail Cats since 2007. The Kurilian Bobtail cat is a native Russian breed of cat, tracing its origins to the Russian Island of Sakhalin and to the Kuril Islands, an archipelago of approximately 56 volcanic islands, stretching 700 miles between the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka and the Japanese island Hokkaido, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean. It is documented in Russia that cats with short tails have been on the islands for at least 200 years and were brought back to central Russia in the middle of the 20th century by members of the military or scientists. Because of their natural instinct for hunting they are popular as a domesticated feline in Russia for their mousing abilities.

Kurilian Bobtail Cats

Kurilian Bobtail cats are a medium to large sized cat, well muscled with a semi-compact and powerful body and a naturally bobbed tail, which must be kinked or curved in order to meet breed standard. Kurilian Bobtail cats can be either short or long haired. They are strong cats, large and brawny with a wild appearance. However, the Kurilian’s wild look is not reflective of their temperament, people oriented they love to be caressed and are very gentle and outgoing. They have excellent health and a very well-balanced character. Kurilian Bobtail cats seem to be a breed that is able to ‘go with the flow’ excepting changes in environment as well as human companionship easily.

Kurilian Bobtail cats are naturally born with a short and kinked tail. In their natural habitat on the Kuril Islands the Kurilian Bobtail is known to be an exceptional hunter as well as an excellent swimmer and fisherman. They have an uncanny interest in water and will, if allowed, join their owner in the bath. They are highly intelligent and thoughtful, and can be taught to understand commands, however, it is up to the individual Kurilian as to whether that command will be followed.

The Kurilian Bobtail comes in a variety of colors; including black, brown, blue and red and can have silver undertones. Patterns include tabby [mackerel, classic and spotted] tortoiseshell, and cats with any amount of white.